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Solid Black Background

A solid black background is another classic or in other words, older style choice for headshot photos. This option is commonly associated with professional portraits because black backgrounds with well-exposed subjects are not easy to do without studio lighting. Technicalities says it not for the beginner photographers because of the staff is wearing a black shirt, black jacket or has black hair, we need to create some depth with a rim light to separate them from the black background. With prior arrangement we can bring in a black background.

Who’s it for; Legal and other business that prefer to have a mood / style that is more subdued, non showy and reflects their more traditional brand.

Textured Black Background

This is more popular than solid black, solid background can be a little too overpowering at times, even gone creatively. Most of the professions that use solid black backgrounds are in the legal professions. Whereas textured can be more versatile, it adds a bit of interest to the photo without being too plain, regardless as to whether it has a gradient or not. A simple background texture can be subtly impactful.

Who’s it for; We find that textured works better for most sectors such as suppliers and some associations in our experience. See examples below.

Green and Chroma Screens

While more common in video production than in portrait photography, a green screen background is useful if you plan to remove the background to replace it with something else and want to do it in a hurry. This technique is called chroma-keying, and the green colour is used because it doesn’t match any skin or hair colour, so it’s very easy to select and remove if your model or staff is not wearing any shades of green. The best video editing apps allow you to quickly remove a green screen and replace it with another background.

We use white, grey and black backdrops and do not have issues in removing and replacing the background with modern software and techniques.

Who’s it for; Typically for video production, not so much for stills headshots sessions.

Bright Colours

Bright colours make the perfect background for fun and vibrant headshots. If you don’t have any restrictions, or can utilise the existing colour scheme that’s on brand, then you can get very creative.

You can choose the backdrop colour according to the subject’s eye colour, hair colour, skin tones, or outfit. The idea is to make the subject pop. To create a pleasing colour palette, use a colour wheel. You can follow colour theory to create a complementary scheme, a monochrome one, etc. Solid colours are great for models and actors’ headshots, or creative business professionals, children’s headshots, and any portrait photography for personal use. Creative agencies that are a little quirky are perfect for this style. A bright colour headshot background allows you to find the most flattering tone for the person and say something about their personality.

Who’s is for; Creative people or creative agencies. Or if you’re looking to pop out in your LinkedIn profile for sales and service people. It must, or should complement your personality.

Textured Background

A textured background is perfect for adding depth and visual interest to your headshots without being distracting. You can also use them if you want to give a painterly feel to your photography. A textured background allows you to make a more stylized portrait. That’s why they’re more common for personal use. However, some professions allow for creativity, so depending on the type of business your client is in, they might pull it off, actors, for example, look great on a textured background.

DIY Backgrounds

If you like crafting, you can DIY a unique headshot background that fully communicates the person’s personality. Some headshot background ideas that you can DIY are balloons, fairy lights, party strings, wallpaper, etc. It depends on the situation. For casual fun portraits, this just might work. For serious business photos though, we suggest the other idea on this page.

This idea can also work well for commercial shoots where it adds to the story of the product you’re showcasing. Custom backdrops are common.

Custom Backgrounds

If you have a specific vision in mind for your headshot, you can always go for a custom background. This could be anything from a graphic design to a specific location. Custom backgrounds can be a great way to showcase your unique style and stand out from the crowd.

Patterned Background

If you want to add some visual interest to your headshots, a patterned background can be a great option. Make sure the pattern is subtle and does not overwhelm the subject.

We see this used the most with company logos, done creatively to subtly appear in repeat patterns on a media wall type of background.

Studio Backdrops

Studio backdrops are a popular choice for headshots because they provide a lot of control over the lighting and background. They can be solid colours, textured, or even have custom graphics. These backgrounds are great for more formal and professional headshots. Studio headshots can be created either in the studio or at your location.

City, Urban and Outdoors Background

Shooting outdoors gives you more flexibility in finding an original headshot background. Using the city as the backdrop, you’re communicating a specific message about your subject. You can use a skyline or city buildings as a headshot background for a casual and more approachable business headshot. Maybe for someone whose business is in the city and who is always on the go.

It’s also a good backdrop for senior headshots or couples. Anyone who has an urban lifestyle can have a city background. Another creative way to use the city as a headshot background is to shoot at night. This way, you can use the city lights to create a bokeh effect or the moving cars to create light trails. These types of headshots have an urban feel that is perfect for young models.

Natural and Environmental Backgrounds

Natural backgrounds are great for all types of staff, models and situations. Landscapes have such beautiful colours, and there’s such a variety of choices that you can’t go wrong. We regularly shoot with natural backgrounds in the city.

There are a lot of parks in the Sydney CBD area and we soft focus greenery for the headshot background. See examples below.

What is the best background for headshots?

The best background for headshots depends on the purpose of the photo and the brand you’re trying to represent. If you want a professional and classic look, a solid neutral colour like white, grey or black is your best option. However, if you want something more creative or fun, you can choose a coloured or textured background that complements your personal style.

What are the rules for headshot background?

There are no hard and fast rules for headshot backgrounds, but generally speaking, it’s best to keep it simple and unobtrusive. Avoid busy patterns, bright colours, or any distractions that might take away from the focus of the photo: that’s you. A plain or softly textured background in a neutral colour will ensure that you are the central focus of the image.

Should headshots have a solid background?

A solid background is a popular choice for headshots because it keeps the focus on the subject, (you or your staff) and eliminates any distractions. Solid neutral colours like white or black are particularly effective as they provide a clean, professional look. However, a solid background isn’t always necessary, it ultimately depends on the look and feel you’re trying to achieve.

What Colour background is best for a professional headshot?

For a professional headshot, it’s best to stick to neutral colours like white or black. These colours provide a clean and classic look that will never go out of style. Other soft neutral colours such as beige, cream, off white or some pastel colours can also be used effectively to create a softer, more approachable appearance. Bright, bold colours should be avoided as they can be distracting and may not convey the professional image you’re looking for.

Can I use a patterned background for my headshot?

Yes, but be careful that it doesn’t distract from the subject. Choose a pattern that is subtle and doesn’t clash with your clothing.

Do I need a professional background for my headshot?

It’s not necessary, but it can definitely make a difference in the overall look and feel of your headshot. If you’re looking to present a professional image, a solid or textured backdrop can help achieve that. On the other hand, if you want to showcase your personality or creativity, a natural or custom background might be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice is yours and should be based on your specific needs and goals.

Can I change the background of my existing headshot?

Yes, it is possible to change the background of your existing headshot through photo editing software. However, it’s important to note that this can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially if the original background has a complex texture or pattern.

The decision on what background you want for your headshot should be made before the shoot so changes, if possible, don’t need to be made via post production, which has some limitations.

Summary

As you can see, there are so many headshot background ideas you can use that the problem is deciding on one.

If you’re feeling this way, simply remember that the best headshot background is the one that’s flattering for the model or staff member and conveys the appropriate mood.

We hope you found this article useful. Let us know in which you like best.